Some products give a bad first impression, but end up giving a dependable performance in the long run. It’s time to give some updated opinions on my Ipsy items.

First, I’ll go over a number of items that seemed really cool the first time I used them, but I either never used them again or they ended up having strange qualities that didn’t work out quite as well as I thought.

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer ended up leaving a residue that pilled up and flaked off when it came in contact with certain concealers. Who wants a crusty looking face? I originally gave it a 4 but I don’t think it should get higher than a 3.

ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder is so pretty, but it is so pigmented that you can easily get too much on your brush without realizing it until you’ve given yourself a mock sunburn. It takes such a gentle touch. I have to bump it down to a 4.

Hikari Cosmetics Mechanical Eyeliner is okay, it just came in a bad color for me. Storm is a graphite color that disappears on my lash line. I’m dropping it down to a 3.

Rimmel by Kate Mascara, I’m sad to say, has been abust for me. It wasn’t an ipsy item. I got this one in my Bella VoxBox from Influenster. The mascara is gorgeous on my lashes, but it’s not waterproof, which is a MUST for me. After a couple hours, I had new dark circles to contour my undereye puff. I’ve got to give it a 3 also.

Urban Decay Revolution Lip Gloss is a fun novelty, but I can’t wear it as bold as I’d like without having my hair get stuck to my lips. It doesn’t suck, but it’s not the color experience they advertise. Changing my rating to a 3.

Now that I’ve deducted points from 5 of my reviews, it’s time to hand out some new stars. These are items that gave me hell at first, but ended up becoming a constant staple to my routine.

The biggest change is theBalm Nude Dude Eyeshadow. I only gave it 2 out of 5 based on first impressions, but the color “Flirty” has grown on me. I’ve dyed my hair since then and the duochrome has a whole new feel. I’m not sure what happened that first day that my eye burned so bad, but it has never happened again. I ended up liking this color so much, I turned in some ipsy reward points for a second one in preparation for the day I hit pan.

BellaPierre Waterproof Mineral Gel Eyeliner Pencil gave me hell the first day. I wasted most of it trying to get a point back after the tip popped off during the first stroke. With a little more experience and better tools, I’ve been able to enjoy what remains of the pencil. All it took was the knowledge that gel pencils should go in the freezer before sharpening, and a really good sharpener. I love this pencil because it’s waterproof. That was a challenge for me at first, because I was making a huge mess with it. Now I’m thankful to have some liner that doesn’t melt off my face. I’ll give it a 4.

Crown Brush Shadow/Crease Duet Brush deserves a 5 after being my go to blending brush every single day. I don’t know why I only gave it a 3 before, but I seriously love it.

CoTZ Face Natural SPF 40 didn’t have much appeal to me at first, but as I’ve been going foundation free quite a bit this summer, I’ve been making heavy use of its waterproof matte finish and sheer tint. I’m elevating it to a 4.

NUXE, Rêve de Miel® Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel is getting the final star to bump it up to 5. The smell was a little strange at first, but I’ve grown more attached to it. To me, it’s the smell of a clean face. I am seriously considering splurging on the full-size. I’ve run out now and my face would love to feel that fresh again.

So what do you think?  Are there any products you enjoyed from a first impression that just didn’t stick with you?  Any products you blasted that deserved a second chance?